Users who are connected to a large enterprise network can receive IE8 as an update over Windows Server Update Services. This delivery method is available for all Microsoft updates, including patches, drivers and language packs, as well as Internet Explorer updates, said Ed Leary, a technology specialist with Microsoft Federal. An organization’s network administrator typically controls the WSUS. It’s “equivalent to having your own Windows Update Service in-house,” Leary said. WSUS is usually used by larger organizations.

Standalone users can get IE8 as a Windows Update. They just have to set the Control Panel on their Windows machine to receive these updates automatically, Leary said.

Or if they would rather go directly to the source, users can simply download a copy of IE8 from Microsoft.com.

Some new features of IE8 include a smart address bar and an enhanced favorites bar, Leary said.

The Census Bureau hasn't established a time frame for its cloud computing plans, including testing for scalability, security, and privacy protection, as well as determining a budget for cloud services.